Engineering and Technology Courses in Australia: Explained

Engineering is a popular profession in Australia as it allows engineers to work in various industries — from mining, telecommunication, and pharmaceuticals to information technology.

If you are looking forward to pursuing engineering and technology courses, Australia is a great place. It has some of the top engineering institutes and universities that provide industry-focused practical knowledge.

The employment opportunities available in Australia will depend entirely on your qualification level.

There Are Three Qualification Levels:

• VET (Vocational Education and Training) Level

• Undergraduate Level

• Postgraduate Level

1. VET Study In Engineering And Technology

The engineering and technology field offers various VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses. The VET qualification levels may include diplomas, advanced diplomas and certificates I–IV courses under both traditional fields, such as mechanical and civil, and new disciplines, like communications and electronics.

The entry criteria to achieve VET level qualification mostly depend on the institution and the course you choose. 

The entry requirement for diplomas and advanced diplomas requires you to complete a certificate course in the same study area. Whereas certificate I–IV courses demand Year 12 or an equivalent qualification. Diploma and advanced diploma courses may also enable you to apply for a bachelor's degree at a particular university. 

Where To Study VET Engineering And Technology Courses?

VET providers and TAFE institutes in Australia offer engineering and technology courses throughout Australia, including the regional and metropolitan areas. 

Most courses in this field require complex technology and systems, so ensure that the institute you choose provides the equipment and facilities needed for your particular field of study. It's also important to consider the university's practical work experience.

2. Undergraduate Study in Engineering and Technology

Australian Universities offer students numerous engineering and technology courses to build their skills and knowledge. Here are a few undergraduate study fields that you can choose to study:

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Marine Engineering

• Product Design

• Audio Engineering

• Naval Architecture

When you take an engineering course, your first challenge is finding out what kind of engineer you want to become. Some of the best engineering courses in Australia provide you with basic knowledge before you specialise in a particular field.

At the same time, other courses require you to specialise in a specific technology like marine, automotive, biomedical, aerospace or telecommunications. 

There are also popular mining, agricultural and environmental engineering programs related to developing and sustaining natural resources. Many courses like mechatronics, aeronautics and informatics are gaining popularity.

If you need to figure out where your interest lies,, you should carefully conduct research and go through the various options available. Engineering considers technical skills like good verbal and communication skills. It focuses on your innovative abilities, such as taking the initiative. 

Getting a double degree is also a great option in engineering. You can combine your engineering course with other subjects like business, environmental science, arts, commerce, and law. This enables you to keep your options open and add technical skill-based knowledge to your experience. 

On the whole, engineering is a challenging field compared to other study areas. Subjects like physics and mathematics are mandatory to study.

Where To study Undergraduate Engineering And Technology Courses?

Most educational institutions and universities provide engineering and technology courses throughout Australia. You need to pay specific attention while browsing your field of study as specialisations may differ between campuses and institutions. 

Also, make sure to consider courses accredited by Engineers Australia. As engineering is a technical field, you must ensure that your institution has the proper facilities and equipment. These include engineering software, laboratories and workshops required for your degree.

3. Postgraduate Study In Engineering And Technology

Engineering is a well-established and vast field. Various courses are available under the postgraduate level, which helps you upgrade your skillset and practice towards becoming a professional.

At the postgraduate level, many programs cover conventional fields such as mechanical, chemical, automotive, software, electronic and civil engineering. And some programs include subjects related to emerging technologies like microelectronics, biomedical and telecommunications engineering. 

Students with a few years of experience in these fields can study at the postgraduate level to stay updated and advance their careers. Also, there are plenty of options available for students who wish to move away from the technical focus and want to gain some management experience.

Besides technical fields, you can choose courses related to infrastructure and power management, sustainable energy and transport management. 

Most engineering students in Australia study practical courses instead of research-based ones. These courses help them learn a new specialisation or upgrade their existing skills.

Where To Study Postgraduate Level Engineering And Technology?

As engineering is a vast field of study, finding a course that interests you will be easy. Both private institutions and universities offer engineering and technology courses everywhere in Australia. Also, it is easy for engineering research postgraduates to find engineering teaching and research centres.

It's worth mentioning that there are APA (Australian Postgraduate Award) scholarships available to support research students interested in pursuing a career in the engineering industry.

If you are considering taking up a research program, you must look at the institution's overall performance, including the academic activities they offer in your field of engineering study in Australia.

Career Opportunities For Engineering And Technology Students

Over the years, the requirement for Engineers in Australia has tremendously increased. Also, the ratio of female engineers has gone up. Every year, many educational institutions in Australia attract international students from around the globe to study engineering and provide them with scholarships and other educational support.

There are several positions available for engineering graduates in Australia. They can get employment at different levels in an organisation and earn a handsome average salary of around AUD 60,000 per year.

Here is a table that shows the average salary for different engineering professions:

You can visit Engineering Education Australia to get more information about engineering in Australia.

Useful Links to Explore: 

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?